Indian fabrics have come of age through many decades of tradition and are now a part of modern Indian fashion. These fabrics have evolved from their original forms to clothing pieces that are now featured on the ramps of today’s trend. Combining Indianess with a Western touch is in vogue now. It enables people to accept their culture and, at the same time, create modern-day trends. Right from ethnic wear with a slight twist to Indo-western outfits, there is a way to incorporate every classic touch into modern outfits.
In this blog, we will learn about the importance of Indian ethnic wear and how we can incorporate Indian culture with the latest trends.
Let’s begin.
Understanding Indian Fabrics
First, let us learn about some Indian fabrics and what makes them unique:
- Chanderi:
Naghma Kurta Set with Chanderi Dupatta
This fabric hails from the small town of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh and is famous for its history and softness to touch. Chanderi fabric is made of cotton, silk, and zari, and it has fine work of zari with gold or silver lines. It is soft and light and, therefore, good for hot weather conditions. The most special thing about chanderi is that it is a sheer fabric that can be worn for both formal and informal occasions. It is mostly used in sarees, dupattas, and modern kurtas, which give it a subtle and classic look.
- Bandhani:
Bandhani, or tie and dye, is craftsmanship that has its roots in the western Indian provinces of Gujarat and Rajasthan. This Indian fabric is made by tying small portions of the fabric with thread and then dyeing the tied portions to give out attractive patterns, which may be bright-colored motifs. The beauty of Bandhani is that it brings out the pomp and color in the clothes. It is used for sarees, dupattas, and modern dresses and is perfect for festive wear because of its lively and festive appearance. And it is also used on other products, such as scarves and bags in an attempt to give both traditional and modern looks.
- Zari:
It is believed that Zari was first used in ancient India and Persia during the Mughal period. It is the craft of inserting gold or silver-like metallic yarns into fabrics to form designs.
The shine in Zari can make any cloth look royal and rich. It is mostly used in sarees, lehengas, and dupattas, and since it gives out light, it has a glamorous look. The complexity of work done in zari embroidery is what makes it unique, and even the simplest of garments can look corporate and celebratory.
- Silk:
India has a long history with silk; it was used even in the days of the Silk Route trade. This fabric has always been considered to be comfortable and fashionable at the same time. A natural fiber derived from the cocoons of silkworms, silk has a glazing appearance, a soft feel, and better color fastness than synthetic fibers.
The other quality of silk is that if well woven, it can be good for a hot summer and can fully insulate you during winter. This fabric is used both in traditional and contemporary clothes, which makes it an essential part of modern Indian fashion. From the conventional sarees and lehengas to the modern blouses and kurtas, the feel of silk enhances the beauty of the apparel.
The Essence of Fusion Fashion
The fusion fusion concept incorporates conventional elements with contemporary touches to achieve new and versatile looks. By designing classic Indian fabrics and designs with contemporary cuts, silhouettes, and trends, fusion fashion offers a fresh take on ethnic wear. This approach gives you the opportunity to honor your traditions while still being trendy. Fusion outfits give you the freedom to display your creativity and give you the perfect balanced look for various occasions like casual outings, formal events, or festive celebrations.
Let’s look at some examples of how Indian fabrics can create stunning fusion looks:
- Chanderi in a contemporary kurti: Coordinate a smooth chanderi kurta with formal trousers for a stylish Indian look.
- Bandhani as a modern accessory: A bandhani scarf or dupatta can be used to bring a pop of color and traditional essence to a plain western look of a white shirt and jeans.
- Zari and Silk saree for modern occasions: You can pair a saree adorned with zari work with a chic contemporary blouse to give your traditional Indian clothing a perfect ‘modern twist.
Tips to Incorporate Indian Fabrics in Modern Clothing
Now that you understand the magic of blending traditional fabrics with modern styles, here are some tips to help you master the art of wearing Indian fabrics in a contemporary way:
- Experiment with Colors and Patterns: You can combine bright colors and prints with plain clothes. Fabrics like bandhani or zari go well with plain modern outfits, and this can give a good look of fusion.
- Layer with Modern Pieces: For combining ethnic wear with modern twist, you can add trendy layering pieces over your traditional Indian clothing. For instance, wear a bandhani dupatta as a scarf over a modern dress or a blazer over a Chanderi kurta.
- Accessorize Thoughtfully: To balance the vibrant look of the Indian fabrics, accessories should be kept to a minimum and sleek. You can go with gold or silver minimalistic jewelry pieces.
- Play with Silhouettes: Indian fabrics are very versatile, and just changing the shape can make a lot of difference. While wearing a saree or loose Indian traditional kurta, you can add a definition with a belt to give it a trendy look.
- Mix Textures: It is also important to use different textures in order to create a more interesting appearance. A rich silk kurta can be paired with denim jeans or a modern chanderi fabric kurta with a flowy skirt for a bohemian look.
- Create Indo-Western Outfits: A kurti looks best when worn with jeans or a saree teamed up with a contemporary shirt, gives an Indo-Western look, and can be worn on casual as well as festive occasions. You can also wear jackets over a saree for a professional modern layer.
- Footwear Matters: Shoes are a good way to incorporate tradition into trendiness. Traditional Indian footwear such as Juttis or Mojris complements Indian fabrics very well but wearing modern sandals or even sneakers will give the outfit a new twist.
Conclusion
Introducing Indian fabrics to modern style is not just a trend statement but a fusion of the old and new. Indian fabrics like Chanderi, Bandhani, zari, and silk can be used to design elegant dresses that will help to bring the old into the modern world. If you are more inclined to mix Indian fabrics with the latest kurtis and jeans, or if you enjoy going all out with traditional meets modern dressing up, there is always a way to integrate Indian fabrics into your everyday wear.
Therefore, do not hesitate to buy traditional Indian wear, thinking you can’t wear it often. It is not very hard to come up with outfits that are stylish and comfortable, too.
If you want to get some timeless Indian ethnic wear or modern chic dresses. You can visit the Silai Studio website to explore a wide range of stylish and elegant traditional Indian clothing.
FAQs
- How to style saree for modern look?
To make a saree look more modern, accessorize it with a belt or a chic blouse. You can also try Indo-western outfits by draping the saree over a Western top or teaming it up with a trendy jacket.
- How does Indian fabrics fit into contemporary fashion?
Chanderi, Bandhani, and silk fabrics are some of the traditional Indian fabrics that are used today to give texture, color, and tradition to modern clothing pieces. These fabrics are used in fusion fashion to design stylish and functional clothes that blend the past and the present.
- What is the best way to dress traditional Indian fabrics for casual occasions?
Chanderi kurtas can be worn with jeans or Bandhani scarves can be used to brighten up casual wear to add a touch of tradition and style.
- How can one incorporate traditional Indian fabrics into Western wear?
Pair up the silk sarees with blazers or wear the Bandhani dupattas over dresses to get the best fusion fashion statement.